Horse racing: Tominator is back after scare

Published on 27/06/2012 02:15

Tominator is back on course to attempt back-to-back victories in the John Smith’s Northumberland Plate at Newcastle on Saturday following an injury scare.

The Reg Hollinshead-trained grey gave cause for concern when he bruised a foot but he came through his first serious workout since with flying colours. It now looks as though the five-year-old can try to emulate Tug Of War, who was the last horse to land successive victories in the race, also known as the Pitmen’s Derby, in 1977 and 1978

“We had a bit of a scare last week but he worked well this morning so, hopefully, we’re back on track,” said Hollinshead’s son and assistant Andrew.

“I was happy with his work, so the plan is to go. I don’t know what the ground is. I wouldn’t want very soft ground, that’s the only thing. Today was his first proper piece of work since the setback. I was quite relieved because he was just a touch lame, but he seems fine now.”

Jessica Harrington is hoping for decent ground for Steps To Freedom. A smart hurdler, the six-year-old was an encouraging third to Fame And Glory on his return to the Flat in the Vintage Crop Stakes at Navan last month.

“We’re a little bit ground dependent so we just want to know what is going to happen. The weather is very much up in the air everywhere,” said the County Kildare trainer.

“I was delighted with him at Navan. We just haven’t had the ground since. Hopefully it will dry out.”

The going at Newcastle is currently described as soft, heavy in places and the course could be hit by thundery showers on Thursday before an improvement in the weather for the last two days of the three-day fixture.

“We are keeping an eye on things but at the moment it is lovely – clear skies, but quite humid,” said clerk of the course James Armstrong. “Forecasters are predicting this warmish weather will probably erupt into some form of thundery showers on Wednesday night into Thursday.

“We are just keeping a watching brief. The course looks in great nick. It could dry out to soft by the end of today, but the going is testing enough.”